Maryland football's 'dilemma'
Maryland coaches say they've been trying in recent weeks to accomplish two goals at once -- win games and allow young players, including quarterbacks, to get some game experience.
Coach Friedgen acknowledged today that it's a difficult balancing act. When you're 2-6 you tend to get desperate for a win.
"I'm in a real dilemma there," Fridge said. "I don’t think [freshman quarterback] Danny [O'Brien] really wants to play -- I think he'd rather redshirt. Obviously I want to do everything we need to do to win games, but then we go into next year without a really experienced quarterback."
Maryland has played 10 true freshmen -- the most in Friedgen's nine-year Maryland tenure.
The number may grow. Fridge said freshman running back D.J. Adams will travel to N.C. State. Adams is still behind Davin Meggett, Caleb Porzel and Gary Douglas (shoulder), who appears ready to return. Morgan Green (groin) is out.
Another true freshman who could play is promising offensive lineman Pete White. The line will be further thinned because offensive lineman Bennett Fulper (shoulder) is out for the season and will undergo surgery, Fridge said.
The N.C. State game will mark Maryland's return from its bye week. Quarterback Chris Turner said he took off and went to Fort Lauderdale, where he played some flag football. There could be an easy joke here about whether he got intercepted, but I'll refrain.
"I’m just trying to go out, have fun and really make these last few weeks count starting this Saturday," Turner said of the remaining four games.
Comments
No matter what happens we will have an young/inexperienced QB.
Next year will be just as Painful with a young QB, an oline that is still very young, unless the Oline gels and makes huge leaps and we can run the ball all game, next year will look much the same as this year. If it takes 4 years to learn the offense, maybe we need to make it easier to learn. Playing Robinson some this makes a little bit of sense, but it seems like they have no confidence that he can play well now or in the future, Danny Obrien seems to "sound" like the favorite to take over next year.
Posted by: Doug M | November 5, 2009 7:25 PM
Why in the world would Fridge and Franklin burn Adams redshirt at this point of the season? It makes no sense...Hopefully at the end of the season Fridge, Franklin, and Yow will be gone.
Posted by: David | November 5, 2009 7:56 PM
The problem with the O-line isn't just that they are young - they are not very talented. This truly reflects the recruiting. All those guys we got out-recruiting Vandy and Indiana and Towson add up. For example, Bruce Campbell played as a freshman - and you knew he was good. Youth doesn't mask potential - and when Costa leaves - it will be even worse. So, put in an inexperienced, mediocre QB - and it is another long year(s). And the sad thing is - they recruit quality at the skill position - but it really doesn't matter with everything else out of whack. Oh well - is it just easier to accept the program as it is or have aspirations of better days? Not sure anymore.
Posted by: Tate | November 6, 2009 9:20 AM
I find this funny: Green is out due to a groin injury. What, did he injury himself dumping one of the water coolers out after a loss?? jeez, the poor guy hasn't even played a down and he gets hurt! to think we could have had Steve Slaton, who wanted to play here.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 6, 2009 9:47 AM
Is Fride insane? Seriously, I really am beginning to wonder if he is just trying to make to harder for his successor.
Why would you play DJ Adams or Pete White at this point in 4 games of a losing season? Save them for 2013!!!!!
Posted by: BuddhaUMD | November 6, 2009 10:45 AM
Yes, I agree with David....why burn Adams at this point. I can understand a need to get O'Brien in for experience. Scary
Posted by: 55yrsinceatitle | November 6, 2009 11:14 AM
A great interview, with Debbie Yow, on 106.7 - a DC station. Stick with the interview. He asks some fluffy questions in the beginning, and progressively asks her more difficult ones!! You can tell she gets very uncomfortable!!
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/s...ail/mike+wise/
Posted by: terps34 | November 6, 2009 1:53 PM
SO LONG FRIDGE. YOU GET IN DEEPER AND DEEPER EVERY GAME. I NOW REALIZE THAT BEING A HEAD COACH FOR AN AVERAGE DIV. I TEAM IS LIKE WORKING AT THE DMV. YOU LOOK TOUGH AND BUSY, BUT ACTUALLY YOU HAVE THE IQ OF A MENTAL MIDGET. SO LONG FRIDGE.
Posted by: allan b stark | November 7, 2009 11:14 AM
@ Jeff B:
My apologies if posting this link isn't proper. But I thought folks might like to know where they can download and hear the podcast of the Yow interview.
http://www.cbssports.com/local/dc/podcasts/mike-wise-show
Posted by: terps95 | November 7, 2009 4:54 PM
We can only win by cleaning house. Bobby Ross was the last real football coach we really had.
Personally I would replace the whole Athletic Department
The football program is pathetic and needs leadership.
Another next year fantasy at best.
My season ticket money should be refunded.
Posted by: Norman | November 7, 2009 7:23 PM